A New Life and Prenatal Care

By Sharon Rose

      Prenatal care during pregnancy is very important. It is essential to the well being of mother and baby.  It is always hoped that there will be no complications, however, according to the American Pregnancy Association, in the almost 6 million births that take place in the United States each year there are 4,058,000 live births and 1,995,840 pregnancy losses.  When we look at the overall facts, the importance of prenatal care is evident. 

The Overall Facts of Pregnancy Complications in the United States:

Every year –

875,000 women have one or more pregnancy complications

458,952 babies are born to mothers without adequate prenatal care

467,201 babies are born prematurely

307,030 babies are born with low birth weight

154,051 children are born with birth defects

27,864 infants die before their 1^st birthday

      There are several criteria by which pregnancy wellness is based.  Each one is important.  They work together as partners would to ensure a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and a healthy baby.  The criteria are medical care, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle.

      Medical care is imperative during pregnancy.  A trained physician known as an OB/GYN  (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) is the best qualified health professional to determine how wellness is progressing with a pregnant woman and her unborn child.  The OB/GYN is a doctor who is responsible for healthcare precisely for women in general, prenatal care, and delivery of the baby of a pregnant woman.  The OB/GYN a pregnant woman chooses is knowledgeable of mother’s and baby’s condition at the time of delivery because he has been following the progress of the pregnancy, closely, with each office visit.   The pregnant woman is more comfortable at the crucial time of delivery of her baby with a doctor she has gotten to know and trust.  The OB/GYN is established at a hospital and has access to medical technology that enables him to identify complications, provide any needed care, and in some cases reverse adverse conditions that may lead to birth defects.  It is important for the pregnant woman to follow the schedule of office visits the doctor has planned.  Scheduled prenatal care should start as soon as the woman knows she is pregnant.  The schedule I followed with my three pregnancies is still used today and is as follows:

The first 6 months of pregnancy, office visits are once a month.

During the 7^th and 8^th month of pregnancy, office visits are every 2 weeks.              

During the 9^th and final month of pregnancy, office visits are once a week until delivery.



Pregnant woman is being given ultra sound test by a technician.  Image of unborn baby is seen on the screen. 

      Nutrition is vital for the wellness of mother and unborn baby.  The role of providing the pregnant woman with needed information on proper diet often falls to the OB/GYN. However, in some cases, if there are health problems involved in the pregnancy a professional dietician may be assigned to the pregnant woman.  One of the first nutritional needs the pregnant woman is directed to add to her diet by the OB/GYN is the prenatal vitamin.  Today, this is mostly made available over-the-counter instead of as a prescription.  Prenatal vitamins do not, however, take the place of fresh healthy foods that she will need throughout the pregnancy, such as, green leafy vegetables, grains, fresh fruit, milk, and protein (meats, eggs).  Your doctor should be able to provide you with information on the three balanced meals needed daily.  If not, asked to be referred to a dietician for a consult on what a pregnant woman should eat for a healthy daily diet.  An OB/GYN or dietician can also give the pregnant woman information on weight gain, foods to avoid, and Listeria.  Listeria is bacteria that is found in soil and water that pregnant woman should be aware of.  Animals can be carriers of Listeria and fruits and vegetables can become contaminated by this, also.  During the summer of 2011 there was an outbreak of Listeria contamination of the fruit, cantaloupe, in several states in the United States.  Many people were sickened by this.  Pregnant women are more susceptible to this than others and should ask their doctor for information on it to understand how to protect themselves and avoid any contamination.

      Exercise is helpful for the overall health of the pregnant woman.  It helps in keeping a healthy heart, in defense of stress, and in keeping weight gain under control.  Daily walking is one of the best exercises a pregnant woman can engage in.  In recent years, Kegel exercises, also called pelvic floor exercises, have become popular among pregnant women.  Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that support the uterus, bladder, bowels, and vaginal wall.  These exercises have been said to help ease a woman’s delivery.  I do caution any woman who is pregnant to discuss your exercise program with your doctor before starting it.

      Finally, a most important concern is lifestyle.  The pregnant woman’s lifestyle can affect her wellness, as well as that of her unborn child.  Research has shown that any use of alcohol and abuse of any drugs, whether the so called, “street drugs,” or prescription drugs can cause birth defects and complications that can put the life of the pregnant woman and unborn child in jeopardy.  There is no safe amount of these substances that a pregnant woman can take.  When you are pregnant it is a good idea to become a label reader to ensure you do not consume alcohol unknowingly, as some foods, that you are not aware of, may contain alcohol.  A pregnant woman must always remember whatever she takes in her baby takes in.  Although there may be periods of not feeling well, a pregnant woman should continue to work, keep in contact with family and friends, and have a healthy socialization regimen.

      All of these criteria are standard for the wellness of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.  Caring for and loving a baby starts with prenatal care. 

       

Research Sources: www.americanpregnancy.org/statistics.html

                               www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/prenatalcare.html

                              

Reading Sources:

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, by Mayo Clinic, May, 2011.

Everything You Need to Know About Prenatal Care and Having a Healthy Pregnancy, by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Baltimore, MD and S. Smith, October 31, 2008.

Learning Before Birth: Every Child Deserves Giftedness, by Brent Logan, December 3, 2003.

While You Are Expecting: Creating Your Own Classroom, by F. Rene Van de Carr and Marc Lehre, November 1, 1996.

Other Reading Sources:

A New Life and Prenatal Care, article, by Sharon Rose, http://www.parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com/, December 30, 2011.

www.childbirthconnection.org





Copyright, A New Life and Prenatal Care, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 30, 2011, all rights reserved.